What is Paresthesia in Myeloma?

Many myeloma patients experience what they call "peripheral neuropathy", a tingling mainly found in the hands and feet. The more medically correct term for this sensation is paresthesia, which is actually a symptom of the peripheral neuropathy itself. 

Paresthesia is the technical term for the tingling sensation, or feelings of numbness that can occur in body parts. While every human being feels this sensation at some point in time (such as a body part "falling asleep"), when the sensation is continuous and lasts for a long period of time, this can be a problem. 

What Can Cause Paresthesia? Can Paresthesia Be Serious? 

The Cleveland Clinic gives us more insight into this topic. 

Temporary paresthesia, when a body part "falls asleep" is common and harmless. It can be caused by a lack of blood flow to a certain limb, dehydration, or migraines, to name a few. 

Persistent paresthesia can be caused by more serious unlying causes, which can be separated into the following groups. This is not a comprehensive list. 

Circulatory Causes 

This is a broad category. Basically, a lack of circulation can affect how to nerves carry signals to and from your brain. That can cause persistent nerve tingling. 

Nervous System Causes 

• Brain tumors or brain bleeds 
• Head injuries such as concussions 
• Pinched nerves

And the common culprit of paresthesia in multiple myeloma

• Peripheral neuropathy 

Metabolic and Endocrine Causes 

• Diabetes-related neuropathy 
• Low blood sugar 
• Vitamin B deficiencies 
• Menopause 

Infectious Disease 

• HIV 
• Shingles 
• Hepatitis 
• Siphlius 

Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases 

• Lupus
• Multiple sclerosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Toxic Effects 

• Chemotherapy 
• Carbon monoxide poisoning 
• Neuropathy from alcohol-related poisoning 

Other Causes 

• Amyloidosis 

What is the Difference Between Paresthesia and Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a general term for a disease that affects the nerves. Paresthesia can be a symptom of neuropathy/peripheral neuropathy, but as mentioned by the list above, paresthesia can happen for many other reasons. Talk to your physician so that he or she can help you determine any underlying causes of your neuropathy. 

How Do You Test for Paresthesia?

The Mayo Clinic shares the various tests that can be used to test for paresthesia or peripheral neuropathy. 

• Blood tests: check for vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, or other metabolic issues that can cause peripheral neuropathy. 
• Imaging tests: CT or MRI scans can look for herniated disks, pinched nerves, or other problems affecting the blood vessels and bones.
• Nerve function tests: electromyography (EMG) measures and records electrical activity in your muscles to find nerve damage. 

During an EMG, a nerve conduction study is typically also done. Flat electrodes are placed on the skin and a low electric current stimulates the nerves. A healthcare professional will record how the nerves respond to the electric current. 

Skin biopsies can also be used to look at the nerve endings under the skin. 

What is the Best Treatment for Paresthesia?

Medications 

Some treatments for paresthesia include medications. 

Some of these medicines include: 

• Pain relievers 
• Anti-seizure medicines (such as gabapentin) 
• Topical treatments (lidocaine cream) 
• Antidepressants 

You can check on other crowd-sourced side-effect solutions for neuropathy here: HealthTree Neuropathy Side Effect Solutions

Remember to check with your doctor before trying anything for your paresthesia. 

Alternative Medicine 

In addition to the medications, there are also alternative medicine approaches to paresthesia and neuropathy. 

Mayo Clinic shares the list: 

• Acupuncture: Inserting thin needles into various points in your body might lower peripheral neuropathy symptoms. You might need multiple sessions before you see improvement. 
• Alpha-lipoic acid: This has been used as a treatment for peripheral neuropathy in Europe for years and there is some evidence that it can be helpful in those with painful diabetic neuropathy.
• Amino acids: Amino acids, such as acetyl-L-carnitine, might benefit people who have undergone chemotherapy and people with diabetes. 

Talk to your treating physicians about any of these approaches that interest you or that you feel might be helpful. 

How Long Does Paresthesia Take to Heal?

Persistent neuropathy does not have a guarantee of resolving. Work with your doctor to find resolve your neuropathy pains and let them know if you believe your medications to be worsening your neuropathy significantly. 

Learn more about paresthesia and peripheral neuropathy through more resources below: 

• Peripheral Neuropathy and Multiple Myeloma: Not Just Feet and Hands
• What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
• Navigating Neuropathy Through Nutrition Webinar
• Managing Neuropathy Webinar
• How Acupuncture Can Benefit the Myeloma Community Webinar